12. Nissan unveiled a steering wheel that transforms into a tablet.

What it is: Nissan unveiled its self-driving, IDS concept car in October, which comes with an animated steering wheel that transforms into a tablet.

What it means: There are no current plans to bring the car, and its technology, into production. But the car highlights how interiors can alter based on whether they're in autopilot mode or not. The steering wheel turned tablet hints at what's to come when we start seeing driverless cars around 2020.

11. This concept car comes with advanced touch-screen display that allows you to play video games or chat with friends.

What it is: The Nissan concept car is a bit far-fetched — it's basically a giant driveable tablet that lets you play with the seats the same way you would an iPad. The touch screens accommodate video chats and video-game playing and provide information about the car itself, like the distance to your destination.

If it detects you're becoming stressed, it'll recommend a back massage. The driver can then choose whether or not to accept the pampering.

What it means: One of the issues with semiautonomous systems is that you can become so relaxed you forget to remain alert. But even if a highly-intelligent system is driving your car for you, it doesn't mean you shouldn't be aware of what's going on in case you need to intervene.

This innovation shows how automakers will continue to focus on ways to keep drivers alert and comfortable when driving is no longer preoccupying their minds.

9. Mobileye created a system that can integrate safety features into any dashboard.

YouTube/Mobileye

What it is: The company created a camera-based collision-avoidance system that can be integrated in any vehicle to help drivers avoid hazards. The system will make a sound when the driver is veering out of their lane or tailgating, or if it detects that the vehicle might be on a collision course with a pedestrian or another object.

It can also detect lane markings and traffic signs and read speed limits so it can alert the driver by beeping when they are speeding.

What it means: You don't necessarily need to shell out on a Tesla to have state-of-the-art safety features.

8. Similarly, WayRay is using augmented reality so you can get information on your windshield to keep your eyes on the road.

WayRay

What it is:Tech company WayRay created Navion, a heads-up display that projects holographic images onto the driver's windshield. Only the driver can see the full-color holographic image, which provides the driver with their current speed, how far away the destination is, and the distance until the next turn.

Green arrows will also guide the driver along their route, which could come in handy when it's night and difficult to see the road.

What it means: Augmented reality could become a regular feature in cars.

7. A hydrogen-powered fuel cell powers this Toyota concept car as part of the automaker's effort to create the ideal, eco-friendly city car.

What it means: Although the FCV Plus is unlikely to go into production anytime soon, as it's designed for when hydrogen energy is in widespread use, it's an innovation that shows the potential for transportation that uses alternative energy.

6. This driverless concept car comes with four motorized lounge chairs that can be rotated to allow for face-to-face conversations.

Mercedes-Benz

What it is: Mercedes-Benz unveiled the futuristic concept car at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas January 5. The seats can rotate to allow for face-to-face conversations.

What it means: This is another innovation that shows how, as driverless cars become more the norm, automakers will think of clever ways to preoccupy passengers while they cruise along.

5. Future Volvo cars could come with different modes for relaxing and driving.

What it means: It's another innovative feature that shows how cars will become more intuitive going forward. It also highlights an increased desire to create tech that cuts down on potential accidents.

3. The BMW 7 Series comes with a key fob that features color touch display.

What it is: You can see loads of information about the car on the tiny fob. It even allows you to start and kill your car's engine. The fob can be charged on a wireless charging pad on the console of the BMW.

What it means: Car owners can have more power and control over their cars even when they're not in them.

2. Mitsubishi's self-driving concept car can parallel park for you.

Mitsubishi

What it is: The car can autonomously respond to road and traffic conditions. But most importantly, it can parallel park for you, which is a pretty magnificent feature — especially for those living in cities where parking spots are notoriously tight.

What it means: Every aspect of driving is about to become a lost easier down the road.

1. We would be remiss to talk about the best car innovations and not include Tesla's autopilot system.

What it means: Tesla is getting that much closer to perfecting a completely driverless system. It also shows the future for smart-car technology: Just like a phone, owners can approve software updates to get exposure to new perks.